- Sports Illustrated revealed its 2020 Swimsuit issue cover models today.
- Olivia Culpo, Jasmine Sanders, and Kate Bock headline the issue, which feigns a “woke” sensibility.
- It’s 2020; when will we stop treating women like they’re nothing but eye-candy?
Despite finally recognizing a transgender model, there wasn’t much hope the 2020 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue would genuinely be “woke.”
Today’s announcement that Olivia Culpo, Jasmine Sanders, and Kate Bock will be the magazine’s cover models removed all doubt.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Enters the 21st Century, But Don’t Call It ‘Woke’
It only took 20 years, but the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is entering the 21st century.
Valentina Sampaio, a Brazilian model, became the first transgender model to appear in the coveted magazine.
Sampaio previously made history by becoming Victoria’s Secret’s first-ever openly transgender model. And in an open essay last week, Sampaio praised the men’s sports magazine for giving her the opportunity to break down further barriers.
The team at SI has created yet another groundbreaking issue by bringing together a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way.
That’s a noble assessment on Sampaio’s part. Too bad it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
Based on the magazine’s cover, it looks like this year’s Swimsuit issue has a ways to go before we can call it anything but anti-feminist drivel.
The Cover Is More of The Same-Old, Same-Old
Nothing against Olivia Culpo, Jasmine Sanders, or Kate Bock, but there’s really nothing “standout” about any of these women. Especially as far as their appearance on the cover is concerned.
Olivia Culpo is a former beauty queen. Jasmine Sanders is an “Instagram influencer.” And Kate Bock? Well, her claim to fame is appearing in countless magazines — including past editions of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue — since 2013.
In other words, it’s more of the same-old, same-old.
Where are all the hardcore female athletes? Where are all the amazing female sports executives? Where are the game-changers that have clearly come to the forefront in 2020 — the women who have forever changed the face of sports?
It’s 14 years since the #MeToo movement began. How are women still viewed as nothing more than eye candy?
2020 is proving to be a year of unprecedented social upheaval. It’s high time the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue gets with the program — or humbly bows out.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
Last modified: July 13, 2020 8:05 PM UTC